Comfortable Dental Care from a Dentist You Trust
Feeling anxious about dental care is more common than you might think. Whether it’s the sounds, the smells, or memories of an experience, that unease can make it hard to get the treatment you need. At Designer Smiles in Fargo, we offer IV sedation to help patients feel genuinely relaxed, without needing to visit a separate specialist.
Dr. Jeff Harrie is fully accredited through DOCS Education, one of the nation’s top sedation training programs for dentists. That means you can receive this advanced level of care right here, in the same office where you already feel at home. No outside referrals. No unfamiliar faces. Just experienced, personalized care, on your terms.
What Is IV Sedation and How Does It Work?
IV sedation involves delivering a carefully measured sedative through a small IV line, typically placed in your arm or hand. It starts working quickly and allows us to adjust the level of sedation in real time, so you stay relaxed and comfortable throughout your appointment.
You won’t be asleep; you’ll still be conscious and able to respond if needed, but many patients say the experience feels dreamlike. Time passes quickly, and afterward, most people remember very little (if anything) about the procedure.
When Is IV Sedation a Good Fit?
While every patient is different, IV sedation can be especially helpful if:
- You struggle with moderate to severe dental anxiety
- You’ve had difficulty getting numb in the past
- You have a sensitive gag reflex
- You’re undergoing a longer or more complex procedure
- You’d prefer to complete several treatments in one visit
We also offer other sedation options, such as oral sedation, laughing gas, and NuCalm®. But for patients who need a deeper level of calm, IV sedation offers more flexibility and a stronger sense of ease, without putting you fully to sleep.
What to Expect Before, During, and After
Before your appointment, we’ll review your medical history, explain the process, and make sure you’re a good candidate for IV sedation. You’ll receive clear instructions, including when to stop eating or drinking beforehand.
During treatment, Dr. Harrie and our team will closely monitor your breathing, pulse, and comfort level. The sedative helps you relax within minutes, and we’ll make sure you remain calm and stable throughout your visit.
After the procedure, you’ll likely feel a little drowsy. You’ll need someone to drive you home, and we recommend resting for the remainder of the day. Side effects are usually minimal and wear off gradually.
Why Choose IV Sedation at Designer Smiles?
One of the biggest advantages of receiving IV sedation at Designer Smiles is the convenience. Dr. Harrie provides this service himself, right in our Fargo office, so there’s no need to coordinate with an outside provider or schedule an extra consultation.
You also get the benefit of continuity. You’ll be cared for by a dentist and team who already know your health history, understand your concerns, and are committed to helping you feel safe and supported. We strive to make a difference not just during treatment, but in how you feel about dental care moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t Let Anxiety Delay the Care You Deserve
If fear or discomfort has kept you from visiting the dentist, IV sedation could be the key to moving forward with confidence. This approach makes it possible to complete treatment in a way that feels calm, efficient, and much less stressful than you might expect.
Call Designer Smiles today at 701-298-9400 to ask about IV sedation or schedule a consultation. We proudly serve patients from Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, and nearby communities. Your comfort is our priority!
